Wärtsilä, a provider of technological solutions for the maritime sector, has announced the successful testing of its remote guidance service, a digital means of optimizing vessel repair and maintenance operations.
Using augmented reality (AR) “wearables” and remote guidance software, crew members, field service engineers and shipyard personnel, among other Wärtsilä customers, will be able to establish real-time communications with shore-based experts anywhere in the world.
According to a statement, the new technology was demonstrated onboard the ‘Huckleberry Finn’, a TT-Lines ro-ro ferry travelling between Trelleborg, Sweden and Travemünde, Germany.
Dr. Sebastian Saxe and Dr. Phanthian Zuesongdham discuss digital innovations in a recent Port Technology technical paper
During the journey, simulated situations in which the remote guidance service was required were carried out, both for the vessel’s navigation equipment on the bridge and shaft line seals and bearings in the engine room.
In order to establish Wi-Fi connectivity for communication with onshore experts, a portable on-deck LTE antenna was installed.
The test saw simulations monitored in real-time by Wärtsilä personnel working from both Gothenburg, Sweden and Hamburg, Germany, verifying the effectiveness of the AR solution as a way of transferring information and guidance.
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Thomas Pauly, Future Technologies Product Manager at Wärtsilä Marine, said: “The overall evaluation of this testing programme endorses Wärtsilä’s strong capabilities in remote guidance service.
“Regardless of where the equipment is located on the vessel, it shows that we can provide rapid troubleshooting and technical advice, thus saving the customer both time and costs. It’s like having a Wärtsilä service engineer onboard 24/7.
“We value the feedback from TT-Lines as this was an excellent example of co-creation with a key customer, and one more important step towards realisation of Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine vision.”
Thomas Busch, Superintendent at TT-Lines, also commented on the test: “This was a very impressive, professional, and pragmatic demonstration of the technology.
“The connectivity, when operating at sea, was remarkable and the hands-free equipment meets our onboard safety standards.”
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